The forum is back up...so let's discuss Wacko's Drunken RBR Gatti vs Baldomir

[Kev]

Well to me Gatti having his ass handed to him was one of the least suprising results of 2006, he's so done he's practically charcoalised.

Baldomir on the other hand is now in the rather unlikely position of being the true champion at welterweight.

Personally I really like the guy. Anyone who turns up in Zab Judah's home town, takes a torrent of abuse from the mouthy wannabe gangsta then beats him, takes his belts and tells him to go fuck himself as far a rematch goes is always going to be someone I warm to.

He's showed against Gatti that he's no joke and I think he will be hard work for anyone at welter right now.

Basically the welterweight Glen Johnsonn, Baldomir has finally come of age after a career as a journeyman and I'm happy for him. For the record I don't think he would give Mayweather many problems but I believe there is a reason that boxrec shows Hatton fighting Urkal in the fall and it has nothing to do with Baldomir not being a big enough draw.

[TyBuff]

I think the only two fighters that would give Baldomir an "L" are Margorito and PBF. PBF would just box circles around Baldomir and Margorito would make it very difficult for him. I think Baldomir would KO Hatton, he is just to big and strong for Hatton to handle at 147. With Baldomir's confidence right now I think he can do some serious damage in this division for at least he next couple of fights. The man is playing with house money right now and he is going to let it ride.

And a cc for you wacko!

[shza]

I think the only two fighters that would give Baldomir an "L" are Margorito and PBF. PBF would just box circles around Baldomir and Margorito would make it very difficult for him. I think Baldomir would KO Hatton, he is just to big and strong for Hatton to handle at 147. With Baldomir's confidence right now I think he can do some serious damage in this division for at least he next couple of fights. The man is playing with house money right now and he is going to let it ride.

And a cc for you wacko!

I think Quintana and Collazzo would probably beat Baldomir. Cotto would have a shot if he fought another fight or two at welter first. Agree that Baldomir would beat Hatton at welter--no defense and there's no way Hatton could hurt Baldo.

[bcollins]

I think Quintana would be a good opponent - I think that one's a toss up. Collazzo might be able to outbox Baldomir, although I wouldn't bet on that, either. Baldomir's a lot tougher than I thought, but he's still very beatable. Margarito could probably take him, and Mayweather shouldn't even be discussed - too much skill. Hatton, I think, would have a really hard time with Baldomir. He's too big!!

[TyBuff]

I think to beat Baldomir they are going to be able to box and move well. I think that the way Baldomir grinds you down really gives him a chance versus almost anybody, with the exception of Floyd. I dont think there is anybody that can KO him, maybe Margorito, but I dont think anybody else could.

[bigbroker]

Wacko your dedication is rediculous!

[JohnnyKickAss]

I really like Gatti... I think hes the most entertaining fighter out there,
like Wacko said, Gatti comes to fight...
Sadly it didn't work out last saturday,but it was again a very entertaining
fight,though even I do think now, that Gatti should retire for his own good.

Baldomir did a good job, I like Bilbos comparison to Glen Johnsonn...
I don't see him beating Floyd,but thats what alot people also thought
about the Zab fight...

[El Gamo]

Hey peeps,CC to my boy Wack,great work.I was confident Baldomir would win and I knew I would be right,the strength of a natural WW is far superior to that of a 140 pounder,this was evident from Hatton and Collazo and the same would apply with PBF and Tony,when a natural WW fights 140 pounder,just discount the KO column,it makes no difference.

[TheBESTP4P]

well we all know GATTI has mad heart and he gave it his all so i respect him for that, but yeah BALD is a big natural bad asss welter who has a hard core chin and seemed to not be able to get hurt. its Baldis time hes now making them 7figures finally and getting recognition. he needs to take on margarito or PBF in order to really blow up. its kinda disapointing that he did not mention margarito as an opponent he was interested in fighting. but yes PBF would box circles all around baldo for 12 rounds. hopefully PBF could cut him up and possible end it early on cuts since Baldos beard is so good. that would be good for boxing to unify atleast.

[Cortez The Killer]

CC to wacko for another great rbr,

I have a couple things to say about this fight. First, I think it should be Gatti's second to last fight before retirement. I would like to see Gatti take on softer competition and have one more fight on the boardwalk and go out like a star. No fighter in the past decade (longer even) has left more blood and guts in the ring as Gatti. I think he was a gift for boxing; if every fighter had the heart, determination, and complete lack of self-preservation that Gatti has (had) then boxing would be the most popular sport in the world. I need to disagree with you big time on the Hall of Fame thing Wack, Gatti belongs there %100. I think he most certainly will be there too.

Baldomir looked real nice...big, powerful, crisp, and smart. But, I dont know...this is a different Gatti. I think that loss to PBF really took a toll on Gatti...the man is all about pride and his cajones and PBF totally dominated him. Gatti's been in more wars than any fighter I can think to name and that has to take a toll. Do I think Gatti would have beat the Baldomir of today a few years ago? No. But I think the old Gatti would have given him a hell of a fight. Baldomir beat Judah, who despite loads of talent cant seem to use it, and a Gatti that isnt what he used to be. I think Bald should be rated very highly, but i think hes getting a bit too much credit all of which is based on his past two fights.

I really like Baldomir though; I really respect how apologetic he was after nailing Gatti with that low blow. He was real sincere about apologizing and you could tell he really felt bad. Hes got a good character which I like in a fighter and is the complete opposite of those show-bouting pricks like Malignaggi. I forget who mentioned it but that pissed me off too how during the fight he kept talking to the camera while on his cell thinking he was the sh*t...i think I will watch his bout with Cotto again

[NuthaPug]

I think Baldomir should fight someone like Callazo before going after Hatton or PBF. It would be interesting to campare how he does against Callazo with how Hatton did. Those measures aren't infallible by any means but still ... interesting.

[Purist]

Do you believe me now about Baldomir? He IS the real deal!!

[Purist]

And I think he stops Hatton. That Collazo and Mayweather both decision him. Baldomir threw some wide shots he'd pay for against the likes of Mayweather and Collazo. But I don't know if he got that little reckless because he knew he wouldn't pay for it.

[El Gamo]

Just because Baldo beat Zab and Gatti does not make him the real deal.Not at all.It proves he is tough and he can beat blown up WW but remember,Clottey was beating im easily until the DQ.I think Collazo,Margarito,PBF,maybe Cintron and Quintana and Clottey beat him.He's tough,durable,dogged but he can be beaten and beaten well as his record suggests.

[Kev]

Hey peeps,CC to my boy Wack,great work.I was confident Baldomir would win and I knew I would be right,the strength of a natural WW is far superior to that of a 140 pounder,this was evident from Hatton and Collazo and the same would apply with PBF and Tony,when a natural WW fights 140 pounder,just discount the KO column,it makes no difference.

Hey Game, I'm glad you picked Baldomir to win, he's an underatted fighter who will now get some rewards.

As to your theory of a natural welterweight beating a light welter I agree in part but really it depends on the fighters.

Hatton came up short against Collazo, mainly I believe because his style of fighting relies on over powering and out working his opponent. His nonstop pressure wasn't as effective because Collazo was bigger and stronger and simply couldn't be hurt in the way previous fighters had been. However I'm not sure that this was the sole reason for Hatton's poor performance, Collazo was also a southpaw and Ricky hates those. It was also his first fight at welter and maybe he was over confident, even looking forward to the next fight.

As far as Mayweather and Margarito however I think size isn't so important. Mayweather is a boxer not a brawler and will be relying on speed, accuracy and elusiveness to win that fight rather than pressure and power like Ricky Hatton.

Cory Spinks, who has no punch at strawweight let alone welterweight was able to step up to 154 and outpoint Karmazin in a close decision so the weight isn't necessarily the crucial factor.

For a fighter like Ricky Hatton, who is all about pressure and only has short stubby arms, pounds is a lot, but to a skilled, slick pugilist it's not so much of a big deal.